West Yorkshire is a metropolitan county, with five metropolitan boroughs, including the City of Leeds. It has excellent transport links by rail and bus within the county, most running through Leeds. Though it is a largely metropolitan county, the moorland and valleys outside the larger cities are dotted with old mill towns and villages, which are reminders of the county’s historical association with the textile industry. Today, West Yorkshire is not industrial heartland, but a picturesque county where anyone from young professionals looking for alternatives to London and families or pensioners might settle. Two suburbs of Leeds made the 2014 Sunday Times list of the best places to live in Britain.
Batley is a market town located in West Yorkshire, nestled between Dewsbury to the south and Leeds to the north. Known for its rich industrial heritage, Batley developed rapidly during the 19th century as a centre for the textile industry, particularly 'shoddy' and 'mungo' cloth manufacturing. This legacy is still visible in the distinctive Victorian architecture found throughout the town.
Bingley is a historic market town set within the Aire Valley in West Yorkshire, embraced by valleys and beautiful countryside. Positioned around five miles northwest of Bradford and surrounded by the green expanses of the Pennines, Bingley is renowned for its canal heritage—especially the iconic Five Rise Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The town’s charm is rooted in its blend of scenic landscapes, Victorian architecture, and a strong sense of local identity.
Bradford is a diverse city located in West Yorkshire, England, characterised by its rich industrial heritage and multicultural atmosphere. The city sits at the foothills of the Pennines, offering a blend of urban convenience alongside easy access to natural landscapes. Known for its Victorian architecture, most notably seen in the Bradford City Hall and the historical Wool Exchange, Bradford has a strong sense of identity rooted in its textile industry past.
Brighouse is a market town in West Yorkshire, positioned on the banks of the River Calder and known for its industrial heritage dating back to the 19th century. The town offers a blend of traditional charm and modern convenience, with historic mills, canalside walks, and a bustling town centre. Brighouse’s location—approximately halfway between Leeds and Manchester—makes it popular with commuters seeking a balance between urban employment opportunities and a quieter residential environment.
Castleford is a historic market town situated in West Yorkshire, England. Positioned along the River Aire and at the confluence with the River Calder, Castleford has roots that trace back to Roman England when it was known as Lagentium. It is best recognised for its industrial heritage, particularly its strong links to coal mining and glass production during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Castleford presents a mix of old and new, balancing its industrial identity with ongoing regeneration and modern suburban development.
Cleckheaton is a historically significant town situated in the borough of Kirklees, West Yorkshire. Nestled between Bradford, Leeds, and Huddersfield, Cleckheaton has long been associated with the textile industry, with its growth rooted in the 19th-century wool trade. The town retains much of its traditional character, with Victorian architecture lining its bustling High Street and well-preserved green spaces outlining the residential areas.
Dewsbury, located in West Yorkshire, stands on the banks of the River Calder and has a heritage steeped in the textile industry. The town sits roughly halfway between Leeds and Huddersfield, offering a blend of urban energy and traditional Yorkshire character. Dewsbury attracts a diverse population, including families, young professionals, and those seeking affordability within easy reach of larger cities. Historical red-brick buildings and Victorian architecture are dotted throughout town, reflecting its industrial past.
Elland is a historic market town set in the heart of Calderdale, West Yorkshire. Perched along the River Calder, Elland has a lineage dating back to the Domesday Book, and its character is shaped by stone-built Victorian terraces, traditional Yorkshire pubs, and leafy surrounds. The town manages to balance elements of rural charm with urban convenience, offering residents a pleasantly paced lifestyle within easy reach of much larger towns and cities.
Halifax is a historic market town in West Yorkshire, situated within the Calderdale borough and on the edge of the Pennines. Well known for its remarkable industrial heritage, especially in textiles and wool, Halifax has played a vital role in Yorkshire’s history. The blend of impressive Victorian architecture, such as the iconic Piece Hall, and picturesque countryside make Halifax a distinctive destination for both visitors and residents.
Hebden Bridge is a distinctive market town nestled in the Upper Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, known for its creative spirit, independent shops, and stunning Pennine landscapes. This historic town sits between Manchester and Leeds, offering residents the rare combination of rural tranquillity and urban connectivity. Hebden Bridge is famous for its stone terraced houses climbing steep valley sides, vibrant arts scene, and thriving community ethos. The Rochdale Canal runs through the centre, providing waterside walks and a focus for community activity.
Heckmondwike is a small town situated in West Yorkshire, positioned just north of Dewsbury and close to Batley and Leeds. Known historically as a centre for the blanket and textile industry, Heckmondwike retains many features from its industrial past, including distinctive stone buildings and a classic market square at its heart. Today, the town offers a blend of heritage and modern convenience, making it a practical choice for commuters and families alike.
Holmfirth is a picturesque market town nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, well-known for its stunning Pennine landscape and its charming, countryside character. Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Holmfirth offers a scenic backdrop of rolling hills and lush valleys, attracting walkers, artists, and nature enthusiasts alike. The town rose to national fame as the filming location for the long-running BBC sitcom "Last of the Summer Wine", and many visitors come to explore the familiar settings featured on television.
Huddersfield is a historic market town in West Yorkshire, perfectly positioned between the vibrant cities of Leeds and Manchester. Nestled in the foothills of the Pennines, the town is known for its impressive Victorian architecture, industrial heritage, and as the birthplace of rugby league. Residents enjoy a strong sense of local identity and pride, with a balance of urban amenities and easy access to stunning countryside. The area's large student population, families, and working professionals create a diverse and welcoming community. Huddersfield’s industrial past is visible in its landmark mills and grand civic buildings, while its cultural reputation is underlined by festivals, music, and thriving creative industries.
Ilkley is a historic spa town situated in West Yorkshire on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Known for its striking scenery, including the famous Ilkley Moor, Victorian architecture, and literary associations, Ilkley blends rural charm with a sophisticated town atmosphere. The River Wharfe runs through the town, offering picturesque riverside walks and a tranquil setting that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Keighley is a historic market town located in West Yorkshire, nestled at the meeting point of the River Worth and River Aire, and on the edge of the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. The town is known for its rich industrial heritage, especially in textiles and engineering, which shaped much of its distinctive Victorian architecture. Keighley retains much of its historical charm, evident in buildings such as Cliffe Castle and the beautifully preserved Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, a steam line that draws enthusiasts and visitors from across the UK.
Knottingley is an historic town located in the metropolitan borough of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, situated alongside the River Aire and close to the boundaries of North Yorkshire. Historically renowned as an important inland port and glassmaking centre, Knottingley has retained much of its industrial heritage while continuing to evolve as a residential community. The town is surrounded by flat, open countryside and offers easy access to both urban amenities and rural escapes.
Leeds is a major city in West Yorkshire, situated in the heart of northern England. Famous for its dynamic cultural scene, prestigious universities, and impressive Victorian architecture, Leeds has grown from a historical mill town into a modern economic powerhouse. The city is known for its vibrant blend of old and new, with bustling shopping districts like the Trinity Leeds centre and the beautiful, grand architecture of the Corn Exchange and Leeds Town Hall. Residents benefit from an extensive range of amenities, including lush parks, theatres, museums, and a thriving culinary scene.
Liversedge is a historic town located in West Yorkshire, positioned between the bustling hubs of Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield. Steeped in industrial heritage, Liversedge is known for its links to the textile industry and the Luddite uprisings during the early 19th century, which left a lasting impression on the area’s identity. Today, the town balances its industrial past with a semi-rural charm, offering residents a blend of local character, green surroundings, and easy access to urban amenities.
Mirfield is a picturesque town in West Yorkshire, set on the banks of the River Calder and surrounded by rich Yorkshire countryside. Known historically for its strong links to the textile industry, Mirfield today combines its industrial heritage with contemporary living. Red-brick terraces, stone cottages, and modern developments create a blend of old and new, attracting a diverse population including families, professionals, and retirees.
Normanton is a town in West Yorkshire, located roughly midway between the cities of Leeds and Wakefield. Nestled close to the River Calder and the Aire and Calder Navigation, the town has a rich industrial heritage dating back to its former role as a major railway junction and coal mining centre. Today, Normanton is recognised for its blend of residential neighbourhoods, green spaces, and proximity to key transport routes, making it popular with families, commuters, and those seeking a quieter lifestyle within easy reach of urban hubs.
Ossett is a historic market town nestled in West Yorkshire, situated between the cities of Wakefield and Dewsbury. The town is known for its traditional character, independent shops, and distinct sense of community. Ossett’s heritage as a textile centre is visible in its architecture, with redbrick mills and period terraced housing lending the high street its iconic look. Proximity to major cities like Leeds and Wakefield means Ossett attracts families, professionals, and retirees seeking peaceful surroundings with easy access to urban amenities.
Otley is a historic market town situated in West Yorkshire, positioned on the River Wharfe just north-west of Leeds and close to the Yorkshire Dales. Renowned for its picturesque setting, Otley enjoys a scenic blend of rolling countryside, wooded hills, and access to the rugged beauty of Otley Chevin Forest Park. The town has a rich heritage, with a bustling market square, cobbled streets, traditional pubs, and independent shops giving it genuine character and a strong sense of identity.
Pontefract, nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, is a historic market town famed for its medieval roots and strong sense of identity. Known affectionately as 'Pomfret', Pontefract is distinguished by its iconic castle, the rich tradition of liquorice growing, and a legacy interwoven with English history. Found just off the M62 between Leeds and Doncaster, this town blends ancient character with the practicalities of modern living.
Pudsey is a historic market town situated between Leeds and Bradford in West Yorkshire. Renowned for its strong community roots and heritage, Pudsey offers a distinctive blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. Its central location ensures residents have access to both city amenities and a variety of green spaces, making it appealing for a broad mix of people including families, professionals, and retirees.
Shipley is a historic market town located within the Metropolitan Borough of the City of Bradford, in West Yorkshire. Positioned on the banks of the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Shipley offers both scenic waterways and effective transport connections, making it attractive to commuters, families, and retirees. This area is well-recognised for its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, a Victorian model village founded by Sir Titus Salt. The local character blends industrial heritage, period architecture, and suburban living, delivering a sense of community and a distinct northern identity.
Sowerby Bridge is a historic market town nestled within West Yorkshire’s picturesque Calder Valley, around three miles southwest of Halifax. The town is renowned for its industrial heritage, reflected in impressive stone mills, canal basins, and historic railway bridges. With the River Calder and Rochdale Canal passing through, Sowerby Bridge is especially popular with walkers, cyclists, and boating enthusiasts seeking access to scenic countryside and towpaths.
Todmorden is a market town situated in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire, close to the border with Lancashire. Surrounded by rolling hills, wooded valleys, and rugged moorland, the town is renowned for its scenic countryside and the confluence of three steep valleys – the Calder, the Walsden, and the Hebden. With a history rooted in the textile industry, much of Todmorden’s architectural character is defined by classic stone mills, Victorian terraces, and striking civic buildings like Todmorden Town Hall, which famously straddles the historic boundary between Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Wakefield is a historic cathedral city located in West Yorkshire, approximately nine miles south of Leeds. Renowned for its rich heritage, Wakefield stands on the River Calder and is known for its iconic Wakefield Cathedral, whose spire dominates the skyline. The area has seen significant regeneration over the past decades, blending the old with the new—Victorian industrial buildings now sit alongside contemporary museums and modern housing developments.
Wetherby is a picturesque market town in West Yorkshire, positioned on the banks of the River Wharfe and situated mid-way between Leeds, York, and Harrogate. Known for its rich history, Wetherby attracts residents with its attractive Georgian architecture, riverside walks, and thriving market square. The town’s historical roots as a key coaching stop along the Great North Road are still evident in its landmarks, such as The Shambles and period inns.